The SREC II Program is ending soon. The Sooner You Sign, The More You Save! Why should someone take advantage of the SREC II program before Massachusetts transitions to the SMART program? We Break It Down For You Here:

The system must be installed and operational by March 2018 to get in on the SREC II Program! This means you need to get the process started Today! Start by getting a no obligation, free quote!

Starting With the Basics: How Solar Works

What have you heard about solar power before? You’ve probably heard that solar is great for the environment, or that you can save money on your electric bill—both of which are true statements. But if you have not heard much about solar, those benefits do not provide much explanation. Solar power is an excellent alternative to our dependence on fossil fuels and, thanks to the financial benefits, can save you money on your electric bill for years to come. But how does that work?

At the most basic, a solar powered system is the technology that converts the sun’s rays to usable energy. The panels you will occasionally see affixed to a home’s roof are solar panels, which are made up of photovoltaic cells. These photovoltaic cells, also called solar cells or pv cells, are what capture the energy given off by sunlight; think of it rather like the process by which plants absorb sunlight and convert that to the fuel they need to grow. An individual solar panel generally has around 60 connected solar cells within it, and a solar array—what you call a series of solar panels joined together—will generally be made up of 10 to 20 solar panels for the standard Massachusetts home. The panels all work together to absorb as much sunlight as possible; then, the collected energy travels through an inverter, where it is converted into the type of electrical current your home can use.

Yes, it’s really that simple. A solar panel system can power your home, your business, your barn, or whatever else you hook it up to (within reason, of course). There is no waste created during the process, and a solar power system has a lifespan averaging around 25 years, and counting! When you have a solar array installed on your home, you remove your need to rely on the local electric service, which means you effectively cut your dependence on the fossil fuels that are burned to generate electricity at power plants. Given that you can save money and help the environment at the same time, going solar is a win-win.

RGS Energy has been in the solar business for nearly 40 years now, so it is safe to say we know what we are doing when it comes to solar power systems. One thing we can say after years of experience is that solar energy is not a fad. In the time since RGS Energy began, the cost of a solar array has gone from nearly $100 per watt down to roughly $5 per watt. If you’re interested in learning more, the RGS team is happy to help. Click the contact button below to learn more about our personalized services, from professional solar installation to financing and maintenance. Start saving on your energy bills and help save the environment with RGS Energy!

Save With Solar in Massachusetts

It is no secret that the world as we know it is at a tipping point. As the global population increases, access to technology is made more readily available, and more people come to want the same standard of living as more developed countries, energy demands are going to increase at a rate that, unless we take action now, will become unsustainable. According to a recent study published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration energy demands in the United States are only expected to rise over the next 30 years, however, there is some good news that comes from this report. The renewable energy sector, especially energy produced by solar panels, is expected to rise sharply in the coming decades as the technology becomes cheaper, more widely available, and economically viable for industrial applications. Over this same period, coal-fired power plants are going to see a dramatic decrease in use, an eventuality that many across the country have been waiting for for years.

Since 1978, RGS Energy has been at the forefront of the solar energy sector. We have dedicated our professional lives to help residents of Massachusetts make the switch to solar energy and, as a result, lower their electricity bills, reduce their carbon footprint, and lessen the burden that is placed on municipal power grids. Through the services that we have provided over the past four decades, we have helped our clients, collectively, save millions of dollars that would have otherwise been spent on electricity and, looking forward, we hope to help even more residents of this state make the switch to clean, affordable, and renewable solar energy.

Solar Energy Services We Offer in Massachusetts

RGS Energy provides the following solar energy services in Massachusetts:

Solar Panel Installations

Solar Panel Financing

Solar Panel Maintenance Services

We are a full service solar energy company and your best choice in Massachusetts. If you have any questions about how we can help you, give us a call today at 877-747-4338!

Helping the Environment: The Benefits of Going Solar

Going solar means you’re doing much more than simply saving money on your monthly energy bill. Yes, it’s a great investment and a way to save money on monthly living expenses, but it’s also a pretty stellar way to do your part in conserving natural resources and helping the environment. That might sound like a pretty heavy load for one simple system to carry, but solar power can do a lot more than power your home or business. Want to know more? These are a few of the benefits to solar energy:

Environmental

Most people in the U.S. rely on a local electric company to power their home, apartment, business, and so on. The electricity itself comes by way of a local substation, but the power isn’t generated there. Electricity is actually generated by power plants. So, not only does our current electrical system rely on a massive network of power lines and their supports, which can eat up valuable resources, but the methods used to produce power in the first place aren’t exactly environmentally friendly. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, roughly 85 percent of energy generation across the country is done with coal, natural gas, oil, and nuclear power. Only 12 percent of power generated at power plants is done using renewable resources, which includes hydroelectric, wind, and solar farms.

The remaining 3 percent is everything else, including homes powered by a solar panel system. Now, imagine what a difference could be made if that 85 percent was replaced with renewable resources? Solar power does not interrupt nature the way hydroelectric does, even. Instead, solar power taps into an infinitely available resource: sunlight. Solar panels don’t produce harmful gases or runoff as they make energy, which makes solar power a much cleaner and more eco-conscious option than a majority of our nation’s produced electricity. Switching over to solar means you can do away with your dependence on those harmful fossil fuels to power your home.

Financial

Helping to conserve natural resources and reduce your global footprint is only half of the benefit to going solar. The other portion is the benefit to your bank account. When you have a solar panel system installed, you can start seeing the savings right away because the energy to power your home will come from your solar array rather than the electric company. Even if you choose to take out a loan to pay for the solar panel system, you can think of it as replacing what you would pay for your electric bill each month with payments for your solar array. Or, if you’re buying your system outright at the beginning, the savings on your electric bill will will help you recoup the cost within a few years, and you’ll continue to enjoy savings for years after. In fact, the average household in Massachusetts saves about $2000 a year on their electric costs (see chart above), so over the life of your solar array, that can add up to tens of thousands in savings. And, if that is not enough on its own, anytime your solar array produces excess energy, it will roll back the meter your electric company uses to keep track of your energy usage. If this happens enough, your electric company could end up owing you!

Between the environmental benefits and the fiscal perks, a solar power system can make worlds of difference. The RGS team is happy to tell you more; give us a call and learn more about the difference solar can make for you!

Professional Installation Makes All The Difference

Throughout life, we rely on professionals to provide services that we are unable to provide for ourselves. Doctors help us when we are sick, mechanics help us when our cars are acting up, and a wide variety of other professions only exist because people, inevitably, need the help of an expert. At RGS Energy, we are experts at what we do. We have been involved in the solar energy business since 1978 and, during this time, we have seen about everything that there is to see. We were there when solar panels were considered a gimmick. We were there when solar panel technology lept forward. We were there when the country began to take solar power seriously and we will be here when solar power is a major source of energy production. We are professionals through and through and, if you choose us for your solar panel installation needs in Massachusetts, we can guarantee that you won’t be disappointed with the services that we provide.

Ready for Solar? Start With These Steps

Getting solar should be as easy as calling up RGS Energy and scheduling installation—and it can be! Of course, we want you to get the most benefit possible from your solar array for the life of your system. In order to do so, there are a few things you can do before the install to help set yourself and your home up for long term benefit. Here are a few things you should do to help ensure you will be able to make the most of your solar panel system:

Check Your Home

First and most important, you will want to be sure your roof is strong enough to support the weight of the number of solar panels your home will need. Of course, we do not expect you to know the weight allowances necessary or what your roof is rated to. As part of the initial preparatory process, an RGS technician will come and determine the optimal placement for your solar array, how many panels your home will need, and whether your roof is strong enough to support a solar array. If your roof is older and will need replacement in the next few years, it may be a good idea to simply get it replaced (and strengthened, if necessary) before your solar panel system is installed.

Improve Efficiency

The other major step to take before your solar installation is to take the time to improve the efficiency of your home as much as possible. Doing so will reduce how much energy is necessary to run your home, which will reduce the amount of energy your solar array will need to produce. Improving your home’s efficiency can mean anything from replacing the insulation throughout the house or getting rid of your old appliances in favor of new Energy Star appliances, and more. Check out our video for a more comprehensive list:

Figure Out Your Finances

When it comes to financing a solar array, the biggest concern most people have is the misconception that costs are too high for the average homeowner, or that it will need to be paid for entirely up front. Neither of these is true! While purchasing a solar array may have been prohibitively expensive in the early days, the cost per watt has decreased a good deal (whereas the cost for electric from local power companies continues to rise). Of course, if purchasing a solar panel system outright is not in the cards for you, RGS Energy offers loan options, so you can start enjoying a reduced electric bill sooner and pay your system off over time. In the end, your savings will still pay for your solar array and then some, so taking out a loan is no less beneficial than paying for it outright. Work with an RGS Energy Broker to discuss your options, and let us create the right payment plan for your needs.

Find Solar Incentives

Lawmakers and philanthropists recognize the positive effects going solar can have on our environment. To that end, there are a plethora of different tax breaks, grants, and other financial incentives available to help you pay for your solar panel system. Of course, these vary by location, income level, how you will pay for your system, and so on. At RGS Energy, we make it a goal to know as much about local and national solar incentives as possible. We ensure all of our solar installation jobs are up to code and meet eligibility to make getting those incentives as seamless as possible, and because we know the system so well, we’ll even help you find and apply for as many solar incentives as you are eligible for.

What Can Solar Energy Do For Massachusetts Residents?

If you are a resident of the state of Massachusetts, you are probably already aware of the fact that Massachusetts has some of the highest electricity rates in the country. According to information published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, average residential energy costs in the state of Massachusetts in June of 2017 were 19.97 cents per kilowatt hour. This rate is the second highest among states in the contiguous United States and, unless serious steps are taken to provide more access to other types of energy, is only projected to rise. Making the switch to solar in Massachusetts not only saves you money on your electricity bill, it also helps to alleviate the strain that is put on the state’s electric grid. To add even more of an incentive to adopting solar energy, in December of 2015 the Solar Loan Program was initiated. This program is designed to incentivize banks and lenders to make solar lending a part of their portfolios by providing these entities with funding provided by DOER and the Mass Clean Energy Center. To learn more about this program, click the link below.

Breaking Down the Financials: Payment Options

Solar power has come a long way since its inception. In the early days, a solar array used to cost around $100 a watt; today, that number is down to around $5 per watt, which makes a solar panel system more affordable than it ever has been. Of course, we understand that everyone’s financial situation is different. Going solar has the potential to make an enormous difference in our environment, so we want to do as much as possible to help our customers find a payment plan that works for them. Whether you choose to take out a loan or purchase outright, we will work with you to find the best option so you can get solar and start saving on your energy bill sooner.

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing how to pay for your solar array. Let us help you parse through all of the expenses and benefits so we can develop the right payment options for your needs. After all, the sooner your solar power system is installed, the sooner you can start saving! Learn more about the financing options, incentives, and other details; contact the RGS Energy team to get started!

Massachusetts Solar Incentives

There are plenty of ways to save a little bit of extra money by switching to solar. Not only will a solar array help you save on your monthly electric costs, but you will be doing your part to help the environment. In order to encourage more people to cut their dependency on fossil fuels and nonrenewable resources, there are plenty of publicly and privately offered forms of financial assistance out there.

Federal

Solar incentives at the federal level may vary depending on your solar array and energy consumption, as well as whether you will be purchasing your solar panel system for residential or business purposes. Start with Energy.gov to get an idea about what incentives you may be able to receive to help fund your solar array. The Federal ITC is a 30% tax credit for any solar energy system installed by year’s end. If wading through all the layers of government jargon is too much, let those with experience help you out. RGS Energy has nearly 40 years of experience in the solar panel industry, so we are used to navigating these systems.

State

The state of Massachusetts offers a few options to help you switch to a solar power system. Learn more about the SREC II and SMART programs, the Massachusetts Solar Loan Program, and more state-provided solar benefits on Mass.gov’s Solar Information & Programs page. But, as is often the case, government websites can be difficult to navigate. The RGS Energy team is knowledgeable about what is currently available to Massachusetts residents, so we can help you through the process.

Other

On top of the state and federally provided solar incentive programs, there are other options out there as well. These will vary more depending on income, location, payment plan, and so forth, and more become available all the time. We encourage you to search for incentives on your own; however, we stay on top of the solar incentives out there, and we’re knowledgeable about what is available in your area, so the RGS Energy team will be happy to help you find solar incentives to help you fund your solar panel system.

RGS Energy got its start in 1978 as Real Goods, a sustainable living store in Northern California that sold some of the first retail solar panels in the United States.

The Real Goods Store still sells sustainable living products, but now – as RGS Energy – we bring clean energy solutions straight to your home with expert solar panel installations that reduce the cost of your electricity. We serve much of Massachusetts, from Worcester through Amherst, Pittsfield, Shrewsbury and Lowell as well as Boston and Springfield.

What Other Benefits Does Solar Offer?

At this point in time, nearly everyone is aware of the fact that solar panels help to cut down on the amount of money that people have to spend on their electricity bill. However, reduced utilities are not the only reason that Massachusetts area residents are deciding to make the switch to solar energy. Below, we have listed a few more reasons that people are making an investment into solar.

Great Returns: With any investment, it is important for people to have an understanding of what their rate of return is going to be. In relation to solar arrays, projected returns are one of the most attractive features for many of the people considering having solar panels installed. A professionally installed solar array can produce free electricity for over 25 years if properly maintained. Over that time span, the savings that a home will experience are almost always equal to the amount of money that would have otherwise been spent on electricity.
Increasing Returns: If you look at the historical trends of electricity rates in the United States, trends suggest that electricity rates will increase by an average of three percent each year. Investing in a solar array means that you are taking proactive steps to avoid increased electricity rates. As prices rise, the return on investment for you solar array will only increase.

We Help Massachusetts Residents With Financing Options

The biggest limiting factor that we hear people discuss when it comes to investing a in a solar power system is the price. At RGS Energy, we understand that making a large investment is not always the easiest thing to do. For this reason, we help our customers start saving money instantly without requiring that they pay for the entire solar array up front by helping them find financial assistance through our trusted lenders. Through the use of financial assistance, you will experience instant savings through a lowered electricity bill, will have to pay little to no upfront costs, and, even better, will be allowed to take advantage of our budget friendly and flexible payment terms. We are certain that once you see how affordable our solar energy systems are, you will wonder why you waited so long to make the switch.

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